History

A Journey Through Business Excellence

The History of ShnierShnier has a rich and storied history. The journey began all the way back in 1938, when the first sponge rubber products were sold out of Toronto, Ontario. Since then, the company has continued to evolve towards becoming Canada’s leading national floor covering company.

Here’s our story

  • 1938 - Company founded by George Edward Shnier selling sponge rubber products
  • 1947 - Rubber carpet undercushion is added to the Shnier product line
  • 1955 - Moses, Norman, Irving and Cecil Shnier join the business
  • 1957 - Shnier begins distributing Armstrong products
  • 1965 - Shnier becomes the largest floor covering distributor in Canada and fourth largest in North America
  • 1969 - Shnier becomes a public company listing shares on the TSX
  • 1974 - Employee profit sharing program established
  • 1975 - Shnier diversifies into broadloom launching the Richmond carpet line
  • 1984 - Shnier introduces “COLA” internet business to business online customer access
  • 1992 - First flooring company to carryout a consumer direct mail flyer ad campaign
  • 1995 - Shnier introduces laminate flooring to Canada, pioneering a new flooring category
  • 1997 - Shnier diversifies into ceramic tile in launching the proprietary Casa Roma brand
  • 2000 - Grand opening of Kenview Blvd. Toronto facility
  • 2000 - First annual Shnier Summit dealer convention is held
  • 2001 - "FloorsFirst" dealer alignment marketing program is launched
  • 2002 - Shnier enters the wood flooring market with the introduction of the Laurentian proprietary brand and several licensed brands
  • 2004 - In partnership with Amorim Corporation, Shnier begins distribution of Wicanders brand cork flooring
  • 2007 - Shnier family sells the company to private equity firm
  • 2009 - Shnier offers innovative new custom dealer websites
  • 2010 - Shnier receives several awards including the Brampton Business Achievement Award, and the Best Meeting in Canada award by M & IT.
  • 2017 - Gesco becomes parent company of Shnier
  • 2018 - Shnier celebrates 80 years of success
  • 2023 - Ironbridge acquires Gesco